With one month left until the presidential election, the Taiwan Climate Action Network (TCAN), composed of multiple environmental groups, held a press conference yesterday (12th) to evaluate the climate policies of the three party candidates. TCAN pointed out that none of the three candidates proposed an ambitious 2030 carbon reduction target, and Hou Youyi and Ko Wen-je even handed in a blank paper; in terms of energy mix, the feasibility of Hou and Ko incorporating nuclear power is low, and the draft agreement of the COP28 United Nations Climate Conference did not include nuclear power. TCAN said that the climate policies of the three groups of candidates will be compiled on the "2024 Presidential Climate Policy Magnifier" website for voters to refer to.
Hou and Ko fail to meet 2030 carbon reduction target, but Lai's ambition is insufficient
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) draws to a close, and Taiwan's presidential election is just one month away. At yesterday's press conference for the launch of the "2024 Presidential Climate Policies Magnifier" website, TCAN reviewed the candidates' climate policies in seven categories: carbon reduction targets, carbon pricing, power generation, renewable energy, industrial transformation, citizen participation, and a just transition.
Lin Yanting, a researcher at the Environmental Rights Protection Foundation, stated that none of the three candidates have proposed an ambitious carbon reduction target for 2030. Hou Youyi has yet to comment. Ko Wen-je's running mate, Wu Hsin-ying, mentioned a 40% carbon reduction by 2030 in an interview, but whether this will be incorporated into her political platform remains to be determined. Lai Ching-te, the only candidate to propose a 2030 target, has maintained the existing policy of 24 ± 1%, which is too pessimistic. According to a joint study by TCAN and the United States, Taiwan should reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 to achieve its net zero goal.
In terms of carbon pricing, Lai Ching-te continued the authorities' practice of levying carbon fees on businesses and offering preferential rates to encourage voluntary carbon reduction; Ko Wen-je proposed using both carbon fees (or carbon taxes) and carbon trading to achieve "diversified carbon pricing" and disclose the use of revenue; Hou You-yi had no relevant political views.
The electricity mix targets proposed by the three presidential candidates. Image source: Taken from the 2024 Presidential Climate Policy Magnifier website.
Lin Yanting said that the Ko camp's "transparency in the use of carbon fees" is in the right direction, but the public is not happy with the high administrative costs and chaotic market information of carbon trading pricing; and the Lai camp's preferential treatment for carbon emitters may make the carbon fee "in with one hand and out with the other," and fail to achieve the goal of returning climate income to the people and reducing the burden on vulnerable groups.
Hou and Ke propose restarting nuclear power; scholars: Reducing coal consumption in nuclear power plants is irresponsible
The three groups of candidates proposed renewable energy proportions of 27 to 30% in 2030, which is still a gap from the 40% advocated by the public. In terms of the coal reduction schedule, Hou Youyi's "Coal-free Taiwan in 2040" is the most proactive, but both Hou and Ko have included nuclear energy in their power structure, with nuclear energy accounting for 12% and 10% in 2030.
Cui Suxin, secretary-general of the Green Citizens Action Alliance, pointed out that the policies of Hou and Ko imply a need to extend the operation of nuclear power plants. However, Nuclear Power Plant 1 has already been decommissioned, the deadline for extending the operation of Nuclear Power Plant 3 has passed, and Nuclear Power Plant 2 was shut down early due to a full fuel pool. "Restarting a plant just doesn't mean it can be done at will," and candidates should demonstrate feasibility to the public; otherwise, it will be empty talk. Zhao Jiawei, director of the Taiwan Climate Action Network Research Center, emphasized that while the COP28 draft climate agreement includes nuclear power for the first time, it does not include the "tripling of nuclear power" advocated by some countries. He urged candidates to focus on doubling renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and accelerating industrial transformation, "not assuming that reducing coal consumption through nuclear power is climate responsibility."
TCAN also called on candidates to set phased regulatory targets for high-carbon-emitting industries, given the high carbon emissions of Taiwan's industries. They also called on candidates to propose specific response mechanisms to the recent controversy surrounding green energy development. Cui Suxin stated that the "2024 Presidential Climate Platform Magnifier" draws its information from official documents released by candidates and political parties, including platform briefs and official campaign websites. Informal social media posts and statements by other party members are not included. TCAN will also inquire about issues on which candidates have not expressed their views and will update the information if they receive a response.
Sources: Environmental Information Center
